But Lucy, who quit the X Factor series in which she competed against James last year due to illness, has now published a series of apparent text messages between the pair after she was left unimpressed by his actions.

In one message, James wrote: "Lucy what are you playing at having digs at me. Is it coz you're a gay rights activist you had to say something as extreme as 'people kill themselves every day over words like queer' are you for real?

"You not think you're being a bit over the top? Do you want attention or something? Sorry I didn't tweet your album link I've been busy but you didn't need to be so two faced...

(Image: Tim Anderson)

"My album sold 10 times youres (sic) in its first week so you can f**k off with your career sh**e. Stop reading the press 'mate'. Real people don't care."

Hitting back, openly gay singer Lucy wrote: "Real people are people you a**ehole. 10 times in the first week hahahahahahahahaha. Good, I'm glad. Enjoy."